As you know, this year North Smithfield Schools will develop Science curricula to align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS.) We will create curriculum guides that 'unpack' each standard, a curriculum map that shows which standards we are teaching by quarter and units of study based on the Understanding by Design (Ubd) format. After the curriculum is written we will be making live binders of the work and embedding into curriculum website. During the curriculum development we will establish a "Task Force" which will meet after school to review research, and ensure the curriculum is articulated and aligned across and between grade levels. We have completed grades 7 & 8, Lynn Hannah, Gale O’Keefe, and Sarah Dionne did a fantastic job. Next week we will begin high school biology curriculum and will be working in collaboration with Burrillville High School science teachers.

A team of North Smithfield educators will be participating in the MassCue technology professional development conference this month. The conference is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Computer Using Educators (MassCUE) and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.). The focus of the conference is to enhance teaching and learning with technology.

A team of North Smithfield guidance counselors, psychologists and social workers attended the Holt Funeral Home is sponsored event, Helping Our Children Develop Resilience as They Face Life’s Stressful Events, on September 24, 2015. Holt Funeral Home had hired a world-renowned children’s grief expert speaker, Maria Trozzi. It was an incredibly informative presentation; we are appreciative of Holt Funeral Home’s sponsorship and for the educators who attended this evening event.

All K-12 ELA and Math teachers will again participate in our Community of Practice – Shared Classroom Initiative. The premise of the initiative is simple; by visiting other classrooms we can gain exposure to varied teaching practices, reflect on our own practices and encourage conversation about the art and craft of teaching. In addition, this initiative will serve as another vehicle to ensure that our curriculum is articulated and aligned K-12. Based on last year’s feedback, we will be expanding this initiative. Teachers will have the opportunity to observe teachers in other districts as well. I will be reaching out to faculties for volunteers to be “host” teachers. All the information and scheduling will be within the shared Google doc.

Please mark your calendars and join us on Thursday, October 15th from 6-7pm in the NSES library to learn about CIA (Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment.) Our Curriculum Director, Principals and teachers will be sharing information and about the K-5 common core standards, curriculum, instructional strategies, assessments and much more. If you would like to join us, please RSVP to carnold@nsps.us

This year RIDE will honor Rhode Island educators for their outstanding service and dedication to the education profession and to Rhode Island students at “WaterFire: A Salute to Rhode Island Educators.” This event will be held on Saturday, September 26, from 5 - 9 p.m., in downtown Providence.

At 5 p.m., an awards ceremony will be held at Memorial Park (at the corner of South Main and College Streets). Please join us as we recognize the following educators:

· National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certified educators
· 2014 Rhode Island Milken Family Foundation Educator Award winner
· Presidential Award winners and finalists for mathematics and science teaching
· 2015 Rhode Island Certified School Nurse Teacher of the Year
· 2015 School Business Official of the Year
· 2015 Adult Education Teacher of the Year
· Rhode Island Superintendent of the Year
· Rhode Island Principals of the Year
· Rhode Island Support Professionals of the Year
· 2015-16 District Teachers of the Year
· 2016 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year

All are welcome to attend the celebration to support our Rhode Island educators. In addition to the awards ceremony, this family-oriented event will include a procession featuring the honored educators, culminating with a “Ring of Fire” at the basin in downtown Providence. A private reception for honored educators and their guests will follow.

Please share this message with your principals and with other educators.